Chapter Summaries

Yue Xiaofei insisted he could attend the Military Parade without an invitation, despite the Su Family's disbelief. On the day of the ceremony, he drove Jiang Lan, Su Wanning, and Su Guohua toward the heavily guarded square, leaving them unsure whether he could get them inside.

• Yue Xiaofei told Jiang Lan to be ready for the Military Parade three days later, while Su Guohua mocked his claim that no invitation was needed.
• Yue Xiaofei spent the next two days tracking parade preparations through encrypted messages from [Man-Rat] and getting into peak condition.
• On the morning of the parade, Yue Xiaofei put on a black Zhongshan suit delivered by Ye Jincheng and set out with Jiang Lan, Su Wanning, and Su Guohua in a black Maybach.
• As they neared the Military Parade Square, the group saw luxury cars and prominent figures stop at a parking lot and undergo strict security checks before proceeding on foot.
• Su Guohua pointed out the security rules to Yue Xiaofei and argued that no one could demand special treatment before the authority of the nation.

Yue Xiaofei used a red credential to pass every military checkpoint without inspection, leaving Su Guohua, Jiang Lan, and Su Wanning stunned by the respect he commanded. He led them to the VIP Reviewing Stand, where they discovered their seats were in the second row at its center.

• At the first checkpoint, Yue Xiaofei showed a red credential, and the officer saluted him as Chief and ordered the soldiers to let his car through.
• Yue Xiaofei passed another seven or eight guard posts, receiving the same salute and unrestricted access at each one.
• Su Guohua, Jiang Lan, and Su Wanning watched important figures wait for security checks while Yue Xiaofei's car continued toward the parade grounds.
• A Ceremonial Guard directed Yue Xiaofei to the VIP Parking Lot, and a School Officer escorted him and the Su family along a guarded red-carpeted passage.
• The School Officer brought them to the VIP section, where Su Guohua, Jiang Lan, and Su Wanning saw their seats were in the second row at the center of the Reviewing Stand.

Key plot points and events

• Su Guohua, Jiang Lan, and Su Wanning discover that Yue Xiaofei has seated their family in the second row of the VIP section, among the nation’s most powerful political, military, academic, and business figures.
• Overwhelmed by the honor, Su Guohua assumes that Elder Xu arranged the seats, since Xu Anbang was a close friend of Yue Xiaofei’s grandfather. He quickly turns the supposed connection into a chance to advance the Su family’s business and tells Yue to impress Elder Xu.
• Yue Xiaofei is about to correct him, but Su Wanning’s excited commentary about the famous attendees interrupts. She is especially eager to see the mysterious “flag-planting hero.”
• At the VIP entrance, Gao Yuanyuan and her father, property developer Gao Yi, try to use two invitations that appear to be the same ones Yue Xiaofei had obtained and Su Wanning had discarded.
• Security checks the invitation numbers and says they were reported lost, making them invalid. He suggests Gao and Yuanyuan may have stolen them.

Character developments and interactions

• Su Guohua shifts from stunned disbelief to pride and entitlement once he believes Elder Xu is responsible. He continues to underestimate Yue Xiaofei, treating him like a child while looking for ways to exploit the supposed connection.
• Jiang Lan is shaken by the family’s unexpected status and tries to keep Su Wanning quiet and respectful.
• Su Wanning is swept up in the spectacle, naming the VIPs and anticipating the hero’s arrival; she pays little attention to how the family earned its seats.
• Yue Xiaofei remains quietly amused by Su Guohua’s mistaken explanation and recognizes Gao and Yuanyuan at the entrance.
• Gao Yi and Gao Yuanyuan display the same arrogance they showed earlier, but their attempt to enter the VIP section is challenged by security.

Significant themes

• Status and recognition: The second-row seats represent national-level prestige beyond ordinary wealth or influence.
• Misjudgment and entitlement: Su Guohua credits Elder Xu rather than Yue Xiaofei and immediately seeks personal gain from the imagined connection.
• Consequences of disrespect: Su Wanning’s earlier decision to discard the invitations sets up the Gaos’ humiliating confrontation at the entrance.

Key plot points and events

• Security rejects Gao Yi and Gao Yuanyuan’s invitation as invalid, ordering them to leave or face arrest. Gao Yi protests, but the armed security team silences him.
• Seeing Su Wanning seated in the VIP section, Gao Yuanyuan accuses her of sneaking in and claims she stole their invitation. Gao Yi joins in, hoping to shift suspicion.
• Their accusations draw attention to Su Wanning and embarrass her family. Su Guohua blames Yue Xiaofei for the situation.
• A senior security officer approaches Su Wanning, but Commander Qin Qianshan arrives and demands to know what is happening.
• Qin recognizes Yue Xiaofei and greets him with striking warmth, saying he has been waiting for him. More than a dozen generals soon gather around Yue, greeting him as an old acquaintance.

Character developments and interactions

• Gao Yi and Gao Yuanyuan go from confident guests to frightened, disgraced trespassers. When they see Su Wanning in the VIP section, they lash out and try to make her the target of suspicion.
• Su Wanning is embarrassed and angry at Gao Yuanyuan’s betrayal, while her family is left shocked and exposed.
• Su Guohua feels humiliated and resents Yue, convinced that following him caused the trouble.
• Yue Xiaofei remains calm throughout. His friendly, familiar exchanges with the generals reveal that he has powerful connections and a history with them, though his true identity remains unknown.
• Qin Qianshan and the other generals treat Yue not as an ordinary guest but as someone they deeply respect and personally know. Their attention abruptly eclipses the dispute at the entrance.

Significant themes

• Status and power: The contrast between Gao Yi’s business influence and the generals’ authority shows how limited his standing is in this setting.
• Public humiliation and reversal: The Gaos try to shame Su Wanning, but the scene’s focus shifts dramatically when Yue’s importance becomes clear.
• Appearances versus reality: Yue seems like an unassuming young man, yet senior military leaders greet him with extraordinary familiarity.
• Unresolved identity: The chapter ends by turning the crowd’s astonishment into a central question: who is Yue Xiaofei, really?

Key plot points and events

• At a major gathering, Yue Xiaofei is surrounded by senior generals and other influential figures, who greet him with unusual warmth and respect.
• Su Guohua is shocked to see the young man he had dismissed as a “criminal’s son” treated like an honored figure. He struggles to believe what is happening.
• Jiang Lan watches with tears of relief and pride, realizing Xiaofei has grown beyond the vulnerable child she once protected. Su Wanning is captivated by him and wonders whether he might be the national hero she admires.
• The gathering grows more astonished as prominent officials join the greetings. Then former Military Sovereign Long Qianshan and Elder Chen rise from the front row and approach Xiaofei.
• Long asks about Xiaofei’s recovery. Elder Chen praises his conduct and compares his steadiness favorably to his father’s, declaring, “The Dragon Kingdom is fortunate to have you.” The crowd recognizes the extraordinary significance of this endorsement.

Character developments and interactions

• Yue Xiaofei remains calm and composed amid the attention, while his stature and achievements become undeniable to those who once underestimated him.
• Su Guohua shifts from contempt to stunned disbelief, confronted with how badly he misjudged Xiaofei.
• Jiang Lan feels pride, relief, and sadness at once as she sees Xiaofei’s success and independence.
• Su Wanning is mesmerized and begins to connect Xiaofei with the heroic ideal she has long admired.
• Long Qianshan and Elder Chen greet Xiaofei personally; Elder Chen’s praise publicly confirms his exceptional standing.

Significant themes

• Recognition and reversal: Those who dismissed Xiaofei must confront his true importance.
• Respect earned through character and service: The powerful honor him not merely for status, but for what he has done and the spirit he embodies.
• Public validation: Elder Chen’s words transform the crowd’s uncertainty into awe, establishing Xiaofei as a figure of national significance.

Key plot points and events

• After the Gao father and daughter cause a disturbance using invitations that were not theirs, Yue Xiaofei asks Commander Qin to have them investigated. Qin orders security to remove them, and the VIP section falls silent.
• Yue turns to Su Guohua and calmly asks whether he still thinks he was bluffing. Faced with Yue’s warm reception from military leaders and the respect shown him by Academician Ye and Elder Chen, Su realizes how badly he misjudged him.
• Overcome with shame, Su apologizes and begins slapping himself. Yue tells him to stop, making clear that he has not forgiven him but never considered him important enough to hate.
• Jiang Lan asks whether Yue arranged the mysterious one-billion-yuan investment that saved the Su family company. Yue confirms he asked a friend to help, calling it nothing.
• Jiang embraces Yue and cries, grateful both for the money and for his patience toward her family. Su Wanning watches in stunned, tearful silence, recognizing her own past cruelty. Yue comforts Jiang and reminds Su that the parade is about to begin.

Character developments

• Yue Xiaofei remains restrained and generous. He uses his influence to remove the disruptors, but does not gloat over the Su family; he had helped them out of loyalty to his godmother.
• Su Guohua is forced to confront his arrogance and false assumptions. He moves from contempt to humiliation and remorse, though Yue offers no claim of reconciliation.
• Jiang Lan realizes Yue’s hidden role in saving her family and responds with heartfelt gratitude and affection.
• Su Wanning finally understands how wrong she was to look down on Yue, leaving her overwhelmed by regret and admiration.

Significant themes

• Appearances versus reality: Yue’s quietness was mistaken for weakness, while Su’s confidence rested on imagined superiority.
• Power and humility: Yue has immense influence and resources, yet acts without boasting and helps those who have mistreated him.
• Regret and accountability: Su and Wanning recognize the harm of their contempt, though remorse cannot undo it.
• Family loyalty and kindness: Yue’s help comes from his bond with Jiang and her friendship with his late mother.

Character interactions

• Yue remains composed as Su apologizes, stopping his self-punishment without offering easy forgiveness.
• Jiang’s embrace and tears reveal a deep, affectionate bond with Yue; he gently comforts her.
• Su and Wanning watch Yue’s generosity firsthand, forcing them to reconsider their treatment of him.

The Military Parade began as the hosts announced that the mysterious Flag-Planting Hero would appear, while Su Guohua and Su Wanning grappled with Yue Xiaofei’s status and their past judgments of him. The Kunlun tanks passed the Reviewing Stand, and the commentator revealed that Yue Changlong had designed their core systems before his imprisonment.

• A horn and the Military Review March announced the start of the parade, and the hosts described the Dragon Kingdom’s strength and teased the appearance of the Flag-Planting Hero.
• Su Guohua remained terrified of Yue Xiaofei after realizing Yue had once arranged the billion that saved his company, while Jiang Lan urged him to act normally.
• Su Wanning watched Yue Xiaofei and regretted rejecting the possibility of a relationship with him.
• The Army Armored Assault Formation rolled past the Reviewing Stand as spectators cheered at the Kunlun tanks.
• The commentator said Yue Changlong had completed the Kunlun’s core fire-control algorithms and Active Defense System before his imprisonment five years earlier.

At the military parade, Su Guohua and Su Wanning learned that Yue Changlong, whom Su Guohua had mocked as a criminal, had helped create the Dragon Kingdom’s advanced military equipment. As six White Emperor fighters flew overhead and Yue Changlong was named their legendary chief test pilot, Yue Xiaofei silently welcomed his father’s restored honor.

• The announcer identified Yue Changlong as the Kunlun Tank’s chief engineer, shocking Su Guohua and Jiang Lan.
• The announcer credited Yue Changlong with leading key design work on the Thunderclap-9 missile system and identified him as a former commander of the Army’s 7th Armored Company.
• Su Guohua recognized Yue Changlong as the man he had known and collapsed in shock, while Su Wanning realized the honored figure was Yue Xiaofei’s father.
• Yue Xiaofei watched the parade and reflected on the hardships his family had endured and his father’s work finally receiving public recognition.
• Six White Emperor stealth fighters flew over the square, and the announcer named Yue Changlong as their legendary chief test pilot.

At a grand ceremony, Yue Changlong returned as the celebrated test pilot Sky God Lu, and Marshal Long Qianshan publicly revealed that his supposed treason and imprisonment had been part of a secret counterespionage operation. The crowd learned that Yue Changlong had helped capture dozens of spies and devised major military research improvements while imprisoned.

• The crowd saw Yue Changlong fly past as Sky God Lu, while Su Guohua regretted mistreating the Yue Family and Jiang Lan wept with relief that he had been cleared as a hero.
• Su Wanning realized Yue Xiaofei was the son of a revered hero and felt bitter regret over how she had treated him.
• Long Qianshan arrived at the rostrum carrying a top-secret file, then told the crowd that Yue Changlong had suffered five years of undeserved humiliation.
• Long Qianshan announced that Yue Changlong's treason conviction had been a cover for Operation Hidden Dragon, in which Yue had helped capture more than thirty spies.
• Long Qianshan revealed that Yue Changlong had also completed 127 research improvement proposals in prison, including work related to the Kunlun Tank, Thunderclap Missile, and White Emperor fighter.

Long Qianshan prepared to announce Yue Changlong’s commendations after revealing that he had endured five years of disgrace while secretly serving the nation. Soldiers and former comrades across the country watched as they speculated about his new rank.

• Su Guohua realized Yue Changlong had been falsely branded a traitor and regretted how he had treated Yue Xiaofei and Yue Changlong’s family.
• Long Qianshan announced that the Supreme Military Headquarters had approved commendations and titles for Yue Changlong, but had not yet revealed them.
• Zhao Mengsheng watched the broadcast from the Northern Frontier, recalled how Yue Changlong had saved his life, and vowed to protest if the rank fell short of his achievements.
• Jin Dapao impatiently speculated that Yue Changlong deserved at least a Six-Star rank, and likely a Seven- or Eight-Star rank.
• Members of Reverse Scale debated whether Yue Changlong could receive a Nine-Star title, while Han Duoduo predicted Six-Star or an honorary Seven-Star generalship under the regulations.

At a national ceremony, Long Qianshan announced that Yue Changlong had been appointed Marshal in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Dragon Kingdom. The unprecedented promotion stunned the nation, elevated Yue Xiaofei’s standing, and left Su Guohua reeling.

• Bai Bing silenced Wild Chicken as Yue Xiaofei reflected on his father's classified service in the Kunlun Ruins.
• Long Qianshan announced that the Supreme Command Headquarters had unanimously awarded Yue Changlong the rank of Marshal.
• The crowd and officials erupted in disbelief over the first new marshal appointed in sixty years.
• Yan Qingsi realized Yue Changlong's appointment had transformed Yue Xiaofei's status and regretted not approaching him earlier.
• Su Guohua nearly fainted as he grasped that the man he had insulted had become a marshal.

At the military parade, an old general questioned whether Yue Changlong deserved the rank of Marshal, while Yue Xiaofei knew the classified reason his father had earned it. Zhao Mengsheng, Xu Anbang, and Ye Jincheng publicly defended Yue Changlong, leaving the challenge without support.

• An old general objected that Yue Changlong lacked the military achievements required to become a Marshal, and Yue Xiaofei reflected that his father’s classified deeds had saved the Dragon Kingdom.
• Zhao Mengsheng interrupted the parade broadcast, cursed the objection, and declared that Yue Changlong had saved him at Laoshan and deserved the rank.
• Zhao Mengsheng threatened to remove his nine-star battle robe and said his three hundred thousand Northern Frontier soldiers supported Yue Changlong.
• Xu Anbang argued that Yue Changlong’s work had enabled the Dragon Kingdom’s carrier fleet to defend its waters and vouched for his appointment.
• Ye Jincheng said Yue Changlong had developed the foundations of the [Southern Heavenly Gate] project and voiced the Academy of Sciences’ support.

At the military parade, Yue Changlong was honored as the Dragon Kingdom’s special-grade honorary Marshal, revealing to Su Wanning that Yue Xiaofei was the Marshal’s son. As the Flag-Planting Hero’s formation approached, Yue Xiaofei left the VIP seats, saying he was going to the restroom.

• Zhao Mengsheng, Xu Anbang, and Ye Jincheng backed High Command’s decision, silencing the veteran general who had objected.
• Long Qianshan announced Yue Changlong’s honorary Marshal rank, and the assembled service members saluted him.
• Su Wanning realized Yue Changlong was the man she had dismissed as a criminal and that Yue Xiaofei was his son.
• The commentator announced the final formation, and Su Wanning eagerly anticipated the Flag-Planting Hero while Su Guohua hoped the hero might favor her.
• Yue Xiaofei rose from the VIP seats and told Jiang Lan he was going to the restroom.

Yue Xiaofei left the VIP seats and prepared to reveal himself as a major general alongside the Reverse Scale Squad. As the hosts announced the squad’s victory at Mount Fuji, the crowd erupted in anticipation of their appearance.

• Yue Xiaofei went to a top-secret private lounge, where Reverse Scale was assembled and ready for the parade.
• Han Duoduo said she had hacked the broadcasts of more than three hundred major media outlets to show their footage worldwide.
• Yue Xiaofei changed into his new major general uniform and ordered Reverse Scale to move out.
• The hosts announced that a mysterious unit had fought through enemy forces and planted the Dragon Kingdom’s flag atop Mount Fuji.
• The crowd cheered the heroes, while Su Wanning eagerly awaited Yue Xiaofei’s return and Qin Qianshan and Elder Xu discussed his upcoming appearance.

Key plot points and events

• A twelve-person Reverse Scale unit appears at the head of the parade: eleven elite special-forces soldiers in formation, led by a young officer in a major general’s uniform.
• The unit’s precise marching and battle-hardened presence silence the reviewing stand and astonish the crowd. People recognize the leader as possibly the Flag-Planting Hero.
• As the officer approaches, Su Wanning realizes he is Yue Xiaofei—the childhood fiancé she mocked and had just assumed went to the restroom.
• Yue’s identity shocks the VIPs: he is the celebrated Flag-Planting Hero, a major general, and the son of a marshal.
• The parade reaches its climax as Yue commands “Eyes—right!” The Reverse Scale warriors turn in unison, and Yue delivers a formal salute to the reviewing stand and the nation.

Character developments

• Yue Xiaofei is revealed as a powerful and highly respected military figure, contradicting the powerless image others had imposed on him. His calm demeanor gives way to commanding authority as he leads the parade.
• Su Wanning is devastated by the revelation that the hero she idolizes is the same man she scorned.
• Su Guohua recognizes the scale of his past insults and collapses under the realization of Yue’s rank and family status.
• Jiang Lan is moved to tears and finally understands Yue’s composure, as well as Commander Qin’s respect for him.
• Yan Qingsi is visibly shaken by Yue’s appearance.

Significant themes

• Appearance versus reality: Yue’s ordinary-seeming presence concealed extraordinary rank and influence.
• Arrogance and consequences: Su Wanning and Su Guohua’s contempt is exposed as shortsighted.
• Recognition and reversal: The people who dismissed Yue must now confront his stature.
• Discipline and national pride: The Reverse Scale unit’s precise formation and Yue’s salute embody military honor and service.

Character interactions

• Yue leads his eleven Reverse Scale warriors in disciplined formation; they follow his command perfectly.
• His arrival forces Su Wanning, Su Guohua, Jiang Lan, and Yan Qingsi to reassess their understanding of him.
• Yue’s salute is directed toward the reviewing stand and the nation, turning the parade into a public recognition of his service.

Summary

• At a grand military parade, commentator announces that the elite unit Reverse Scale defeated powerful enemies on Mount Fuji and planted the Dragon Kingdom’s flag. Its leader is Yue Xiaofei, the nation’s youngest major general, known as Torch Dragon and hailed as a new guardian deity.
• The crowd erupts in celebration. Veterans salute, citizens wave flags, and people in Yue’s old neighborhood celebrate his rise.
• Su Wanning recognizes that Yue—the man she once dismissed as an unworthy poor soldier—was also the celebrated, mysterious flag-planting hero. She regrets rejecting him and their childhood betrothal, realizing she has lost any chance to share in his honor. Overcome with grief, she collapses and sobs.
• Her father, Su Guohua, is equally devastated. He understands that Yue is unlikely to seek revenge, but that his own contemptuous treatment of Yue has cost the Su family a valuable opportunity and may invite retaliation from business rivals seeking favor with the Yue family.
• Yue marches past the reviewing stand, outwardly calm but inwardly determined. He sees the parade as both a show of strength and a declaration of war against the forces behind the injustices and mysteries surrounding him: his wrongful case, Yanshan Prison, his mother’s death, his missing sister, and the Kunlun Ruins.
• He acknowledges the pride of his grandfather Ye Jincheng and the approval of Elder Xu, while remaining unmoved by the attention of Yan Qingsi, Yun Nongyue, and other women. His purpose is not to win admiration; it is to announce that he has returned.

Character developments and themes

Yue’s public recognition marks his transition from a hidden hero to an open challenger of his enemies. Su Wanning’s realization brings regret and heartbreak, while Su Guohua confronts the consequences of his arrogance. The chapter emphasizes national pride, the cost of prejudice and missed chances, justice and revenge, and Yue’s determination to confront hidden threats.

Long Qianshan and Xu Anbang honored Yue Xiaofei with the legendary [Sea-Calming Needle] Medal for his actions atop Mount Fuji. Long then invited Yue to speak from the highest reviewing platform, leaving the crowd stunned as the young major general prepared to address the world.

• Long Qianshan and Xu Anbang left the reviewing platform and praised Yue Xiaofei before the Reverse Scale formation.
• Long Qianshan presented Yue Xiaofei with the [Sea-Calming Needle] Medal for his service to the Dragon Kingdom.
• Zhao Mengsheng and Jin Dapao celebrated the honor while the Reverse Scale Squad watched Yue receive the medal.
• Long Qianshan invited Yue Xiaofei to deliver a speech from the reviewing platform as a representative of the Dragon Kingdom's youth.

Yue Xiaofei ascended the High Platform to address the Dragon Kingdom and the world, while the Su Family watched in regret after realizing what they had rejected. He began his speech by saying he wanted to tell stories about his family.

• Long Qianshan invited Yue Xiaofei to give a speech from the High Platform, shocking everyone at the ceremony.
• Su Guohua watched Yue Xiaofei ascend and realized he had blocked the Su Family’s chance to rise; he spat blood and fainted.
• Su Wanning regretted breaking off her engagement to Yue Xiaofei and recognized the gulf between them.
• Yue Xiaofei climbed onto the High Platform, reflecting that he represented his family, unsung heroes, and the Dragon Kingdom’s younger generation.
• Yue Xiaofei addressed the watching crowd and said he wanted to begin by telling stories about his family.

At a national ceremony, Yue Xiaofei honored the sacrifices of his family and countless heroes who served the Dragon Kingdom in secret. He then challenged those who doubted his generation, recalling how he slew their god in Eastern Japan, destroyed the Shrine of the Gods, and raised the Dragon Kingdom’s flag on Sacred Mountain.

• Yue Xiaofei told the crowd how his grandfather, Yue Qinhu, defended Jiangcheng and later served as the intelligence operative Old Farmer, stirring veterans and Elder Xu Anbang.
• Yue Xiaofei recounted how his second uncle, Yue Changhai, sacrificed himself by ramming the Sea Dragon into an enemy ship, moving Captain Xu Jingtao.
• Yue Xiaofei explained that his father, Yue Changlong, could not attend because he was on a top-secret mission, while his mother, Ye Qingmei, had disappeared during a secret project.
• Yue Xiaofei said the medal’s glory belonged to his family and all the heroes who had sacrificed for the Dragon Kingdom.
• Yue Xiaofei recalled critics who called him and his generation inadequate, then declared that he had slain their god, razed the Shrine of the Gods, and planted the Dragon Kingdom’s flag on Sacred Mountain.

Yue Xiaofei delivered a fiery speech at Tiananmen Square, stirring patriotic fervor before nine fighter jets roared overhead in a perfectly timed flyover. After Long Qianshan ordered the speech distributed throughout the military, foreign reporters began a question session, and two men rushed forward to ask questions.

• Yue Xiaofei declared that Dragon Kingdom's youth had hard bones and recalled how the Reverse Scale Squad had held firm against God Tier experts on Mount Fuji.
• Yue Xiaofei praised the younger generation's patriotism, and the crowd joined him in shouting, “No regrets for being born in Huaxia in this life-may I be Chinese again in the next!”
• Yue Xiaofei swore that Dragon Kingdom would punish any invader even from afar and roared, “Hear the dragon roar!” as nine fighter jets flew over Tiananmen Square.
• Han Duoduo revealed that she had coordinated the fighter formation's timing as the flyover's “background music.”
• Long Qianshan ordered his secretary to distribute Yue Xiaofei's speech throughout the military for soldiers to study.
• As Yue Xiaofei prepared to leave, a blond foreign reporter and a man from Sakura Country pushed through the press section, took microphones, and announced they had questions.